21 Best Gifts for Marine Biologists (in 2024)

Last updated: November 16th, 2024

The internet isn’t exactly filled with marine biology-specific gifts, so we've scoured our sources to find the most popular and high-quality gifts for marine biologists that will definitely win a smile. 

I hope this gift guide helps you finish your shopping faster than ever. Show them you understand their passion for marine biology and relish the moment when they geek out over your perfect gift.

This list is a compilation of our favorites from around the internet. Some are our own Genius Lab Gear inventions and some we’re just jealous we didn’t think of first! Some external links in this page are from affiliates, which means that any purchase of the items after clicking the link will result in a small monetary referral fee paid back to Genius Lab Gear at no cost to you. We appreciate your support which allows us to continue inventing and testing the best tools for scientists on the planet!

1. The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness

This novel follows the author as she meets and falls in love with four different octopuses - Athena, Octavia, Kali, and Karma - at the New England Aquarium and others on various maritime adventures. This book will take you inside an octopus' mind and explain why these odd creatures are so fascinating. Despite their poor portrayal in folk tales and horror flicks, octopuses are genuinely wonderful creatures. They're intelligent, curious, and playful, with distinct personalities similar to people. The Soul of an Octopus is the perfect book for anyone who loves animals, especially for a marine biologist.

Check the price on Amazon.

2. Biology Word Magnet Set

Biology-themed gifts are rarely as entertaining and enduring as our science-themed word magnet sets! We recently launched these to encourage creativity and self-expression in labs, classrooms and offices. Each specialty pack comes with 144 tiles carefully designed by a PhD in that field for technical accuracy and tacit absurdity.

So far, we have sets for Biology, Medicine, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, Academia, Microbiology, Neuroscience, Ecology, PhD Balance (mental health in grad school) and Basic Science. Most people grab a 2, 3, or 4-pack that represents their unique experience in STEM. I would suggest the Science Basics, Biology and Ecology packs for a Marine Biologist, and add an Academia pack if they are a professor or graduate student.

Also now available on Amazon.

3. PopLife’s Humpback Whale and Baby 3D Pop-up Card

A greeting card is sometimes the greatest gift for someone. It's a fantastic way to express yourself and offer words of encouragement for years to come. With this Humpback Whale and Baby pop-up card, you can make it a little more special and personal. Whether it's a gift for Mother's Day, anniversaries, birthdays, Valentines Day, or any loving occasions throughout the year, this is a kind of gift that your favorite ocean lover would truly appreciate.

Check the price on Amazon.

4. Rocketbook Matrix cloud-connected reusable paper notebook

Marine biologists do a lot of work both on paper and with software. Rocketbook finally solved the problem of merging your hand-written notes into your favorite digital services. You simply use their app to take a photo of your pages of notes and the QR code and marked symbols on each page trigger the app to send the digitized page to any of the 9 pre-set digital destinations you choose. This includes OneNote, Evernote, Google Drive, Dropbox, and even specific emails. Want a shortcut to send notes via email straight to your colleague or boss? This is what you’re looking for.

The Rocketbook Matrix is my personal favorite because it's designed for more technical scientific work. It's got 30 pages of graphing paper and one regular lined page for taking notes, plus a built-in ruler on the inside cover. Did I mention they are reusable? Use their "Pilot Frixion" pens and then wipe the page with a damp cloth after uploading your notes to use it all over again (and win one for the environment!). 

Check the price on Amazon.

5. Earth Pak’s Waterproof Dry Bag

Here's yet another low-cost gift idea for a marine biologist who spends a lot of time near the water. It's an Earth Pak waterproof bag that's a must-have for every boating kit! It’s made from heavy-duty material for high performance, durability, and protection that will last for years. Additionally, all seams are heat bonded to provide a watertight seal to ensure your favorite marine biologists’ gear stays protected from all elements whenever they go on a marine exploration!

Check the price on Amazon.

6. Glowing laser etched sea turtle desk lamp

Let's face it - many grad student offices and remote research labs are pretty drab on the inside. My office felt like a cinder block prison with short cubicle walls and poor lighting. I hung a poster of the beach behind my laptop to trick my brain.

Adding some light and color, themed for your passions, can be a great way to give some life to a dull desk or cubicle. This transparent glowing sea turtle scene is a great pick for marine biologists tired of having a boring desk!

7. Wooden 3D Sea Creatures Puzzles

Another fun way to spice up a boring desk with a more boho style is with these wooden 3D marine animal puzzles. They can also make for a nice creative break when faced with writer's block or stress overload. Make it a collaborate puzzle build with a younger STEM lover to drive their passion for marine animals!

8. Below the Edge of Darkness: A Memoir of Exploring Light and Life in the Deep Sea

Edith Widder, a marine biologist and oceanographer, has written Below the Edge of Darkness that is both a personal story and a scientific examination of bioluminescence. It’s a book full of adventures, thrills of discovery, and hair-raising encounters, coupled with a touching memoir and a generous dosage of mind-blowing scientific facts. A thoughtful and unique gift for a marine biologist with a ton of amazing pictures at the end of the book as an added bonus.

Check the price on Amazon. 

9. Lab Coat Pocket Protector

Marine biologists are inherently among the most passionate people you can ever meet. This is one handy piece of field kit they can bring wherever their expeditions take them. The venerable Pocket Protector became a cultural icon in the 1960's and 1970's, but somewhere along the way the newer generation of STEM researchers forgot about them.
Biologists need these back in their labs and in the field to stay organized, stay efficient, protect their work clothes, and finish their experiments without being late to lunch. So we researched and tested every type ever made to methodically solve each problem and come up with this refreshed design.

Available in spruce green, sapphire blue, and faded pink - the top 3 colors voted on by our fans! You can even get it from our Amazon page if that's easier.

Check the price on Amazon.

10. Marine Biology Themed Sticker Set

For the marine biology major who loves to deck out their laptop, thermos, and notebooks to keep it fun and lighthearted - this inexpensive 50-pack of marine biology-themed stickers gives them a ton of options. Another great stocking stuffer!

11. Oceanology: The Secrets of the Sea Revealed

There are thousands of books about the ocean out there and Oceanology is one of our favorites. It's a visually captivating book with a wealth of information. It's stunning, and the diversity of topics covered is incredible, ranging from information on deteriorating coastlines to detailed profiles of a wide range of aquatic creatures. Turtles, crabs, deep-sea creatures, whales, sharks, and creatures from the coast – you name it! It's a delightful read that's excellent for a coffee table book, but it's also packed with useful information for ocean lovers.

Check the price on Amazon.

12. The World Beneath - The ultimate coffee table visual reference

I personally love having one or two high-end full-color reference books on my coffee table, related to my field of study. For me, one is a microscopy book and the other is a gems/minerals book.

The World Beneath was just updated in November of 2024 and is the #1 book in the field. You're getting over 300 visually stunning full-color photos along with explanations of the creatures in each. It's a fun way for a marine biology major to nerd out while taking a break from research on their couch.

Check the price on Amazon.

13. rOtring or Staedtler Mechanical Pencil

Mechanical pencils are an essential daily tool for marine biologists on the job and in the classroom. But in the new digital age, marine biologists often find themselves using touchscreens as well. 

That’s why my new favorite is the rOtring 800 Retractable Mechanical Pencil, (0.5 mm). This one turns from a pencil to a stylus on the fly, and also ensures the tip isn’t poking holes in your pocket all day like most other models. This is truly the top-end mechanical pencil and will make a special gift. 

Check price on Amazon

Staedtler is another brand much-loved by marine biologists. This model is cheaper and will last a long time, but just isn’t convertible to a stylus. You can’t go wrong with either one.

14. The Life and Love of the Sea

The title of this book says it all: the life and love of the sea are evident throughout. Each page features either a breathtaking picture of sea life or poetic words that transport you to another world. A perfect coffee table book for marine biologists! Bonus footage from multi-award-winning underwater cameraman Steven Hathaway is also available via a scannable QR code included in the book.

Check the price on Amazon.

15. Sea Turtle Metal Wine Stopper

This Sea Turtle wine stopper is a fun gift for a marine biologist who also loves a bottle of wine. It's a reusable, attractive wine charm made of fine zinc alloy with a leak-proof stopper to keep partially consumed wine palatable for days. Your marine biologist’s guests will be dazzled by the functional design and whimsical craftsmanship during parties, and it will make wonderful decor for any kitchen, dining, or bar area. Also, it’s packaged in a PVC box for easy gifting!

Check the price on Amazon.

16. Ecosystem: Coral Reef Card Game

We often recommend things from Genius Games, and this new one called Ecosystem Coral Reef is about Marine Biology! It's a bit like Sushi Go, but instead of building sushi rolls, you're developing a complex and interconnected ecosystem. The winner is the one who leverages the interplay between cards the best!

This is more for the family of a marine biologist who wants to get their kids, nephews, or nieces involved. But as a gift for them, it creates quite enriching moments where their passion for their work can shine through at home!

Check the price on Amazon.

17. Narwhal Tea Infuser

If the marine biology nerd in your life is a tea lover, this cute Narwhal Tea Infuser is a one-of-a-kind gift. Many would argue that the best way to appreciate tea is to drink loose-leaf tea. It has stronger antioxidants than bag tea, plus noticeably better freshness, aroma, and flavor. And with this infuser, they'll be able to enjoy loose leaf tea without the hassle! Simply pair it with this loose leaf tea set and you've found the perfect gift for a tea lover.

Check the price on Amazon.

18. Anti-fog spray for diving masks

Simple but thoughtful, anti fog spray for diving masks is super helpful and easy to run out of. You've got to keep those goggles clear to tell if that's a big fish or small shark coming at you!

19. Diving knife and belt

This knife isn't really for sharks, although it could be in a pinch. The biggest danger in diving is getting air lines or rope tangled around you when you're tens of meters deep. An easily-accessible knife on your belt can free you in a hurry and save your life.

This dive knife and sheath set is also useful for prying apart rocks, digging in the sand, and cracking open sunken treasure chests full of gold doubloons!

20. Wurkkos’ 5000 Lumen Dive Flashlight

Thinking of a useful gift for a marine biologist who loves underwater exploration? Consider giving them a diving light! This powerful and reliable dive light from Wurkkos can deliver up to 5000 lumens and a life span of 50,000 hours. It’s rechargeable and has different lighting modes to adjust brightness according to different underwater conditions.

Check the price on Amazon.

21. GoPro Hero underwater action camera

If they don't already have an underwater camera, the latest GoPro Hero is my go-to. We take ours on every trip near the water and have used it to film hours of coral, sting rays, tropical fish and even a shark!

They are intrinsically waterproof but the marine biologist will need a case and stick/wand holder for it to prevent losing it into the ocean depths!

Check the price on Amazon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is a good gift for a marine biologist?

Anything that's practical, functional or can help them show their love for marine biology. Here are our favorites:

• The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness
• Eyelike Stickers: Ocean
• PopLife’s Humpback Whale and Baby 3D Pop-up Card
• Rocketbook Matrix cloud-connected reusable paper notebook
• Earth Pak’s Waterproof Dry Bag
• Glowing laser etched sea turtle desk lamp
• Wooden 3D Sea Creatures Puzzles
• Below the Edge of Darkness: A Memoir of Exploring Light and Life in the Deep Sea
• Pocket Protector for lab coats
• Marine Biology Themed Sticker Set
• The World Beneath - The ultimate coffee table visual reference
• Oceanology: The Secrets of the Sea Revealed
• rOtring or Staedtler Mechanical Pencil
• The Life and Love of the Sea
• Sea Turtle Metal Wine Stopper
• Ecosystem: Coral Reef Card Game
• Anti-fog spray for diving masks
• Diving knife and belt
• Narwhal Tea Infuser
• Wurkkos’ 5000 Lumen Dive Flashlight
• GoPro Hero underwater action camera